Golden Oldies had a week to remember

Press, 29 February 1984, Page 36

Golden Oldies had a week to remember

The team from southern California perhaps best typified the spirit and comradeship which prevailed throughout the international Golden Oldies cricket festival at Auckland last week.

The “American” squad included four Indians, two Sri Lankans, a West Indian, several Englishmen and a Chinese cricketer. It was not without experience, having a former Indian test twelfth man and a former Sri Lankan representative. Clarrie Anderson, the player-organiser of a composite side which took part under the banner of Christchurch High School Old Boys, said that the tournament had been an outstanding success. It followed the format established by Golden Oldies festivals in rugby, soccer and hockey. Indeed, one team so enjoyed its experiences at the hockey tournament in Auckland last September that it entered the cricketing counterpart. Each of the 34 teams had three matches, and the week ended with the Golden Oldies attending the Rothmans one-day international between England and New Zealand at Eden Park.

Quite a few famous names from the recent and more distant past showed that they still retained many of their skills.

John Edrich, of England, and Bert Sutcliffe, of New Zealand, opened the batting for the Freightways Sinisters, a side comprised of 10 left-handed batsmen and one right-hander who became eligible because he bowls with his left arm.

Among the Australians with international experience were Ron Archer — who scored 113 on the first day before retiring with an alleged hamstring injury —

Neil Harvey and Sam Trimble. Also renewing old rivalries were Mike Denness, an England captain of a decade ago, and Walter Hadlee, who led New Zealand in an earlier era.

Graham Dowling and Brian Hastings both scored half-centuries during the week, as did John Guy, giving a fine example to the New Zealand team which he helped select. Bob Cunis and Bevan Congdon demonstratred their ability with bat and ball, and Martin Horton made 46 in his last innings in this country before returning to England after 17 years of national coaching duties.

The fathers of the nowfamous lined up, too — Brian Franklin (father of Trevor), Dave Crowe (Jeff and Martin) and Ron Reid (John) were in one squad. The emphasis was very much on participation, with individuals being assigned

to teams. Competitive instincts never overshadowed the purpose of the occasion and an Australian Kookaburras side was chosen as most popular: it had a policy of retiring its batsmen at 30 and sending them back in if any overs remained after all had a turn, and every player shared in the bowling. Already plans are in hand for the next Golden Oldies cricket gathering. It is to be in England in August, 1986.